TD proves resilient despite the virus

Article Excerpt

Even with the economic disruption brought on by COVID-19, we like the long-term prospects for investors in TD Bank. This Candian big bank is as well prepared—and well capitalized—to handle the current shock as it was during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. We still see TD Bank as a top pick, especially given its expanding and profitable U.S. businesses and the resilience of its well-diversified revenue stream. TD BANK $70.78 (Toronto symbol TD; Shares o/s: 1.8 billion; Market cap: $128.3 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 4.5%; www.td.com) is a buy. It reported slightly higher earnings in the latest quarter as it sharply cut its loan-loss provisions. In the quarter, ended October 31, 2020, TD earned $2.97 billion, or $1.60 a share. That was up 0.8% from $2.95 billion, or $1.59 a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased 0.8%, to $10.42 billion from $10.34 billion. Loan-loss provisions rose 2.9%, to $917 million from $891 million. However that’s down from $2.19 billion in the previous quarter,…